Several Charged With Stealing iPads From Elementary School

CHICAGO (CBS) — Two people have been charged with laptops and tablets from a Bronzeville school last week, authorities said on Tuesday.

Jabare McChristian, 19, and Devin Pearson, 17, were each charged with one count of felony burglary after they allegedly stole about 300 iPads and nine laptops from Drake Elementary School, 2710 S. Dearborn Ave.

McChristian and Pearson allegedly took a few of the electronics from Drake Elementary School.

But others also helped in the scheme that involved the theft of 300 laptops, seven MacBook Pros and other devices that cost $94,000, Cook County prosecutors said.

Sources at the school tell CBS 2 it appears the suspects got into the school overnight Thursday by crawling through a window.

Aamie Johnson is one of the parents at the school.

“It’s just devastating cause my kids were actually forward to receiving those iPads. They came home talking about it and to find out they were stolen? Heartbreaking,” said Johnson.

The sources say it was all caught on several surveillance cameras making it easy to find the young suspects, including one who was allegedly spotted taking several iPads to a nearby apartment complex.

Seven others have been charged as juveniles with theft or burglary in the case, police said.

McChristian allegedly admitted to police that he took an iPad from a metal storage area but later left it because he didn’t think it worked.

So instead, he took a MacBook from the school, Assistant State’s Attorney Lorraine Scaduto said.

Pearson took three iPads, covers and cases and hid them near his apartment because he thought they had tracking devices, Scaduto said.

When Pearson heard police were in the area, he dumped the iPads in a trash can near his home, Scaduto said.

Some of the stolen equipment has been recovered, according to a statement from Chicago Public Schools.

“While the investigation continues, we will work with Drake Elementary leadership to minimize the impact this occurrence will have on student learning,” the statement said.

The burglary happened sometime on Thursday.

Bond for both suspects was set at $75,000 on Tuesday. Police expect to make even more arrests.